Power Converter Shutdown Sequencing to Prevent Rectifier Surges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power conversion apparatuses face challenges in achieving robustness during the stopping of switching operations, particularly when secondary-side circuitry is stopped before primary-side circuitry, which can lead to potential surges in the rectifying circuit.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed to stop the switching operation of the primary-side circuitry after the secondary-side circuitry has stopped by controlling the driving circuits to sequence the shutdown process, ensuring the rectifying circuit in the secondary-side stops first, followed by the switching circuit in the primary-side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rectifying circuit on the secondary side is stopped first, then the shutdown sequence is simplified, but surges may occur in the rectifying circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating a clamp signal before the rectification switching device is turned off. This clamp signal activates the clamp circuit in advance to prevent surges when the rectifying circuit stops operating. The clamp circuit is prepared and activated beforehand to catch any potential voltage spikes, resolving the contradiction between simplified shutdown sequence and surge prevention.
2Reliability
If the switching circuit on the primary side is stopped after the rectifying circuit, then surge robustness is improved, but the shutdown process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clamp circuit as an intermediary component between the rectifying circuit and the load. This clamp circuit, controlled by a dedicated clamp signal, acts as a mediator that handles surge prevention without requiring complex coordination between the primary-side and secondary-side switching circuits. The intermediary clamp circuit simplifies the overall shutdown control while maintaining surge robustness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the robustness of the shutdown process by preventing surges in the rectifying circuit, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the electric power conversion apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer includes a first winding and a second winding. The first winding is led to the switching circuit
Implementation Method 2
The rectifying circuit is configured to rectify a signal supplied from the second winding, by performing a switching operation
Implementation Method 3
The smoothing circuit is configured to smooth a voltage rectified by the rectifying circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power conversion apparatus includes: an input power terminal; a switching circuit; a first driving circuit configured to perform a first driving operation of driving the switching circuit, and configured to stop the first driving operation, based on a first driving control signal; a transformer including first and second windings; a rectifying circuit configured to rectify a signal supplied from the second winding and including a first rectification switching device turning on and off based on a first driving signal; a second driving circuit configured to perform a second driving operation that includes driving the first rectification switching device through the first driving signal, and configured to stop the second driving operation based on a second driving control signal; a signal generation circuit configured to generate the first driving control signal, based on a control signal and the first driving signal; a smoothing circuit; and an output power terminal.